The Greatest Itinerary to Mexico
Mexico is a big nation that hosts a mess of superior archaeological, cultural, and pure websites.
That can assist you arrange your journey, right here is the most effective 14 days itinerary in Mexico to see the should locations of curiosity of the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas.
This journey begins with the Yucatan Peninsula in Cancun, after which brings you inland to Ek Balam, the well-known Chichen Itza, Merida and Campeche.
For the second a part of the journey, you’ll arrive in Chiapas to find Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilan. Then, let’s go to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Balamku and the positioning of Calakmul misplaced within the jungle.
You’ll lastly return to the Mayan Riviera to benefit from the well-known seashores of Tulum earlier than leaving from Cancun.
For every stage, additionally, you will discover some sensible recommendation.
So, what to see and do in Mexico in 2 weeks?
1ST STAGE: CANCUN (1 day)
Many worldwide flights arrive immediately in Cancun.
A vacationer metropolis with a nice local weather and exquisite seashores, it’s the good place to begin for this 2-week journey to Mexico.
In your 2-week street journey to Mexico, we strongly advocate that you simply hire a automotive : this manner you possibly can journey as you need and uncover all of the secrets and techniques Mexico hides.
That is one of the best ways to take advantage of your keep.
And should you desire to take public transports, you have to to prepare your journey between the completely different phases, in any other case, you’ll miss some locations.
So, go to your lodge to drop off your baggage and luxuriate in Cancun since you are leaving the subsequent morning! Should you’re on the lookout for a profitable method to spend your time, take into account taking the Moana personal catamaran tour from Cancun. You’ll get an unforgettable view of Mexico’s stunning sea and its most well-known seashore – Isla Mujeres!
Listed here are the most effective actions in Cancun:
- Benefit from the seashores of Cancun like Tortugas, Los Delfines, Playa Langosta, Playa Linda, Playa Caracol, and Playa Marlin.
- For cultural visits, we advocate the Mayan Museum and the archaeological website El Rey.
- Snorkel or dive on the MUSA (Cancun Underwater Museum).
Cancun can be thought of the most effective get together spot in Mexico. Listed here are some :
- Xoximilco Cancún is the proper place to find the Mexican get together tradition, with dance, music, typical meals and drinks.
- Coco Bongo Membership is a legendary place with a 4 hour present with DJ and open bar. You should buy the ticket by clicking right here. Higher take the gold ticket for VIP entry, seating, desk service and prime of the road alcohol.
- Metropolis Nightclub is the biggest nightclub within the nation, and it’s all the time packed!
- Alternatively, merely go to the Cancun Occasion Zone on Kukulcan Boulevard to make your selection.
Spend the evening in Cancun .
2ND STAGE: EK BALAM AND CHICHÉN ITZÀ (1-2 days)
After having fun with the nice and cozy Caribbean water, we recommend you go to the spectacular Mayan cities of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza.
Within the morning
Ek Balam was an necessary administrative centre and a real cultural capital through the Mayan Empire.
There are 40 buildings between temples and palaces, however its most huge constructing is the Acropolis : this stunning constructing is the biggest pyramid in northern Yucatan.
In case you are ready, climb to the highest of the pyramid as a result of the view of the opposite buildings and the encircling jungle is excellent!
Little recommendation
In case you are touring by automotive, we advise you to make a refreshing cease at Dzitnup Cenotes (Xkeken and Samula) or X-Canché earlier than driving from Ek Balam to Chichen Itza.
Within the afternoon
Route Chichen Itza which was the primary non secular heart of Yucatan within the tenth century.
Labeled as an UNESCO World Heritage Web site and regarded one of many New 7 Wonders of the World, it’s a should on a two-week journey to Mexico.
Listed here are some actions in Chichen Itza :
- The Kukulcan Temple or “El Castillo”, the primary constructing of Chichen Itza and one of the vital necessary pyramids within the Mayan world.
- The astronomical observatory or “El Caracol” from the place the Maya studied the celebrities.
- The Mayan pelota recreation, an necessary ritual recreation that led to sacrifice, which is the biggest area present in Mesoamerica.
- Noches de Kukulcan which is a formidable sound and light-weight present at evening (7pm or 8pm relying on the season).
Should you go by your self, it’s higher to finish the day in Merida and spend the evening there .
Should you take a tour from Cancun, the tour will take you again to your lodge in Cancun.
The subsequent day you possibly can take an ADO bus from Cancun to Merida.
Little recommendation
Should you don’t have a automotive, an choice could be to go to Ek Balam and Chichen Itza by way of a guided tour.
3RD STAGE: MERIDA, UXMAL AND KABAH (1 day)
Within the morning
Begin the day with a go to to the fairly colonial metropolis of Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan.
Go to the Plaza Grande and its free historic buildings such because the Macay Museum, the Cathedral and the Home of Montejo.
Then head to Calle 64, the most effective place to admire its colourful homes!
You can too make a journey to the native market to find the most effective of conventional Yucatan delicacies.
This journey to Mexico can be a chance so that you can uncover the native delicacies. In case you are already aware of the specialties, you’ll be shocked on the style of avocado there, particularly in case you are used to European avocados.
Should you’re a guacamole fan, you’ll even be delighted with our provide : a ten% low cost code on the Avocado Clothes Retailer!
That is an internet retailer that gives a variety of clothes, resembling avocado fits, avocado hoodies and t-shirts! Click on on this hyperlink to go to : https://avocado-clothing-store.com
What concerning the low cost code?
Properly, simply enter the code TRIPGUIDERZ10 to get the low cost only for you!
Within the afternoon
Go to Uxmal, one of many largest cities on the Yucatan Peninsula.
These days, this metropolis is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. This Puuc-style Mayan metropolis stands out for the richness of the small print of its buildings! Some excellent footage should be taken proper there!
The location is dominated by the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, inbuilt honour of the rain god “Chaac”, however there are a number of different points of interest to see such because the Governor’s Palace, the Quadrilateral of Nuns and the Nice Pyramid.
After ending the go to to Uxmal, we suggest you to go to Kabah, one other Puuc model Mayan website, smaller, a lot much less touristy however nonetheless superior and exquisite!
Little recommendation
We advocate you a go to to Kabah to those that make this 2 week itinerary in Mexico by automotive or organized tour as there’s no public transportation between Uxmal and Kabah.
There’s one exception : on Sundays, a bus leaves Merida at 8:00 am and travels by way of the 5 websites of the Puuc Street (Labna, Xlapak, Sayil, Kabah and Uxmal). Every cease lasts about half-hour, besides Uxmal 2 hours. The bus returns to Merida at 4pm.
On the finish of the afternoon, let’s go to Campeche to spend the evening there.
4TH STAGE: CAMPECHE AND EDZNA (1 day)
Within the morning
Uncover the small, vibrant historic centre of town of Campeche, capital of the state of Campeche.
Begin with the Baluarte San Francisco to stroll alongside town partitions, watch town from above and take nice footage!
Go on to the Baluarte San Carlos to go to town museum, or go on to the Mayan Structure Museum, which incorporates some magnificent treasures!
Stroll round the primary plaza the place one can find the cathedral, El Palacio cultural heart and Casa No. 6.
Afternoon
The trail continues to Edzna, one of the vital necessary Mayan websites in Yucatan.
A metropolis of nice political, financial and spiritual energy, it was one of the vital developed pre-Columbian cities in Mexico!
You’ll uncover amongst others the Nice Acropolis with the Palace of Cinco Pisos, the Small Acropolis, the Temple of the Masks and the Palace.
Along with being in a very good situation and properly conserved, Edzca has comparatively few vacationers and that might be fascinating in case you are not comfy with crowded locations.
5TH STAGE: THE RUINS OF PALENQUE (1 day)
At the moment, depart the Yucatan Peninsula to reach within the state of Chiapas.
Strategically positioned between the mountains and the coast, Palenque was an necessary buying and selling place, which allowed it to ascertain strategic relationships with different giant cities resembling Tikal in Guatemala.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, at the moment it is among the most necessary locations in Mexico.
The town is hidden within the jungle and gives a novel setting with the cries of monkeys within the background.
It’s estimated that solely 10% of the positioning could be clear, but there’s already loads to see in Palenque:
- The museum of Palenque, which may be very full and lets you perceive the significance of the positioning and the native tradition.
- The Palace, which is the biggest advanced within the metropolis with homes, patios, and many others..
- The Temple of Inscriptions and its pyramid that housed the burial chamber of Governor Ok’inich Janaab’ Pakal I, whose spectacular replica is within the Nationwide Museum of Anthropology in Mexico Metropolis.
- The Group of the Cross, which incorporates the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Solar and the Temple of the Leafy Cross.
Spend the evening in Palenque .
6TH STAGE: BONAMPAK AND YAXCHILAN (1 day)
Within the environment of Palenque, there are additionally the websites of Bonampak and Yaxchilán.
Bonampak, “painted partitions” in Mayan, has stunning murals from the eighth century.
Its Temple of Work incorporates three rooms that describe the lifetime of the time (clergymen & nobles, conflict & prisoners, human sacrifices, dancers, customs, and many others.).
These murals have an inestimable worth as they’re the most full works of a pre-Hispanic civilization found at the moment!
Yaxchilan, positioned on the banks of the Usumacinta River, was an necessary metropolis that dominated the area. It’s identified for its sculptures thought of to be masterpieces of Mayan artwork.
The location options palaces and temples round the primary sq. with a terrace overlooking the river.
seventh stage: San Cristóbal de las Casas (2 days)
Day 1
Within the morning
Let’s go to San Cristobal de las Casas.
So as to not go too quick, we recommend you dedicate the entire day to the journey.
Alongside the best way, one can find a number of Chiapas must-see locations of curiosity, resembling:
- Misol Ha : It’s a fantastic heat waterfall the place you possibly can swim in. You’ll be able to even go behind the waterfall to discover the cellar!
- Agua Azul Waterfalls : positioned in a biosphere reserve, these small waterfalls with opaque blue water provide an impressive spectacle and an ideal place to take footage.
- Toniná : a Mayan metropolis whose 75 m excessive pyramid is increased than the pyramid of the solar in Teotihuacan. The view from the highest is magnificent!
Day 2
Go to San Cristobal de las Casas and its environment.
Vibrant colonial metropolis, it’s a should step on a 2-week keep in Mexico!
Begin the day by visiting two conventional Tzotzil villages:
Zinacantan is thought for the great thing about its colourful and flowery handicrafts. It is possible for you to to find the conventional manufacturing methods. Additionally, don’t miss the San Lorenzo church in its important sq..
San Juan Chamula is thought for its mystical church. As soon as inside, you will notice an spectacular non secular syncretism (Catholic and Mayan). It is vitally necessary to be respectful and to not take an image, it is extremely badly seen!
Come again to San Cristobal de las Casas.
For lunch, one can find on the pedestrian avenue Actual de Guadalupe the most effective eating places, a lot of them with terraces.
After lunch, stroll as much as the Church of Guadalupe after which head to the Mayan World Textiles Centre. It homes a set of 500 magnificent items of Mayan textiles, principally from Chiapas and Guatemala.
You can too make the most of this chance to walk by way of the handicraft market, which is held proper subsequent to the doorway.
Lastly, don’t miss the Zocalo, town’s central and full of life plaza.
Spend the evening in San Cristobal de las Casas .
8TH STAGE: BALAMKU AND CALAKMUL (2 days)
For the remainder of this 14 or 15 day tour in Mexico, you’ll have to return to Cancun once more.
Day 1
Go to the archaeological website of Balamku.
It’s surrounded by a dense jungle, which incorporates a number of buildings together with the Home of the 4 Kings.
However its important attraction is its Frieze of the Universe, a 16m lengthy piece that represents the universe and its stability with jaguars, snakes and a lizard.
Little tip
Balamku is positioned 9 hours drive from San Cristobal. Should you depart early within the morning, it is possible for you to to make the go to the identical day as a result of the positioning is moderately small and it is going to be quick.
Nonetheless, if it will get late, go on to Xpujil.
The subsequent day, you possibly can mix the go to of Ek Balam with Calakmul, if you want.
In a single day in Xpujil or Chicanna .
Day 2
Go to Calakmul, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Web site
Calakmul was one of many strongest cities within the Mayan world and at its peak counted greater than 50,000 inhabitants on a territory of 20 km².
It’s an unimaginable website to discover as a result of there are only a few vacationers and it’s allowed to climb to the highest of the pyramids. What an effective way to really feel like an actual adventurer!
Amongst all of the points of interest of Calakmul, you shouldn’t miss Construction II, a 50m pyramid, which is one of the vital necessary within the Mayan world. Construction I, a 40m pyramid, additionally gives a wide ranging view!
After the go to, departure to Tulum to spend the evening .
Little tip
We advocate arriving in Calakmul in direction of the opening at 8am as a result of the sounds of the jungle are spectacular and also you don’t get eaten by mosquitoes but.
The go to ought to final between 3 and 4 hours, so should you arrive early, you possibly can simply get to Tulum earlier than dusk.
If in case you have time, additionally it is potential to go to 3 Mayan websites alongside the best way: Becan, Xpujil and Chicanna.
9TH STAGE: TULUM (2 days)
Drastic change of surroundings for this nice large step of your journey to Mexico in 13 or 14 days since we return to the Mayan Riviera.
Tulum makes you dream with its lengthy white sand seashores, its well-known Mayan ruins going through the Caribbean Sea and its bohemian stylish ambiance.
Day 1
Begin with a go to to the archaeological website of Tulum.
For lunch, let’s go to the Tulum Seashore Strip, the place there are numerous eating places and fairly outlets.
It’s time to benefit from the seashore! Between effective sand and clear water, Tulum’s seashores are worthy of a postcard.
I like to recommend Playa Paraiso or Xpu-Ha, or much less touristy, Xcacel positioned in a nature reserve.
Within the night, Tulum is the proper place to get together and have a drink.
Spend the evening in Tulum .
Day 2
Discover the Sian Ka’an reserve within the Tulum area.
Each a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it’s an immense paradise of biodiversity masking greater than 5000km².
The 2 important entry factors are Muyil and Punta Allen which supply two very completely different experiences.
Punta Allen is good for having fun with the seashore, salt water lakes, snorkeling within the coral reefs and even seeing dolphins.
The easiest way to go to Punta Allen from Tulum is to take a day journey. I like to recommend this tour which incorporates spherical journey switch from the lodge, boat tour (3h) to watch dolphins and turtles, swimming and lunch.
Muyil is far nearer to Tulum and the tour is definitely accomplished in half a day. By public transport, take an ADO bus to Chunyaxché and get off at Muyil (20min).
You can too take an organized tour from Tulum. I like to recommend this tour which incorporates the switch from the lodge, lunch, the ruins of Muyil and the boat tour within the freshwater lagoons.
Little ideas
Another choice in your 2nd day in Tulum is to go to Coba, a Mayan metropolis as necessary as Chichen Itza.
It’s straightforward to achieve from Tulum (45 min by automotive, 1 hour by ADO bus) and bikes could be rented on the spot!
10TH STAGE: CANCUN (1 day) – Again to place to begin!
To finish your two-week itinerary in Mexico, you have to to return to Cancun, as it’s the solely worldwide airport within the area.
If in case you have time, you possibly can take the chance to go to the seashores of Cancun, the archaeological website El Meco, the Mayan Museum or Avenida Kukulkan.
Listed here are the newest tricks to take advantage of it:
- It’s an simply adaptable itinerary, so for a 2 weeks tour in Mexico, you simply should take away a number of the phases (like Bonampak, San Cristobal or Calakmul).
- Earlier than setting out on the street, be sure you obtain the GPS maps as there’s not all the time a community sign.
- As a basic rule, it’s strongly really useful to keep away from driving at evening. That is much more legitimate in Chiapas, particularly on the 199 (between Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas) and the 307 (between Palenque and Bonampak, Yaxchilan).
- In case you are travelling by ADO bus, it’s higher to purchase the tickets upfront on the web site as they’re cheaper than on website.
- Carry money as many websites don’t settle for playing cards and ATMs usually are not all the time straightforward to search out.
When to go to Mexico
All of it depends upon your itinerary as Mexico is big and really various.
Basically, it’s not really useful to journey through the wet and hurricane season, which is between July and October.
This can even permit you to keep away from heavy vacationer site visitors.
In case you are following this 2-week itinerary in Mexico, it’s best to depart between November and April, as that is additionally the dry season.
This manner, you already know all the things about this Mexican itinerary! Have an excellent keep!
